“Manila can be a very discombobulated place”, according to the Lonely Planet, “for it is a collection of towns, with no definable centre.” Still, you will find lots of raw energy and fun, with genuine smiles, happy-go-lucky attitude and graciousness, in every corner.

Often maligned and misunderstood — many tourists skip Manila altogether and head straight to the powdery white sand beaches of Boracay or to the underground river in Puerto Princesa, one of the new seven natural wonders of the world. Manila does have its own charm to offer — and how it has grown up in the past years!